NOT SERIOUS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1941, Page 6

NOT SERIOUS

SETBACK AT BENGHAZI LACK OF AUTHORITATIVE NEWS. REGARDING THE ENEMY OPERATIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON. April 4. There is an entire absence in London of authoritative news about Benghazi or the further progress of Italian-German operations, but authorised circles point out that any appreciation of the African position must take account of the operations in East Africa, the greatest contrast existing between the loss of Benghazi and the progress on all sides in Eritrea and Abyssinia. The loss of Benghazi must be regarded as a setback, but not a serious one. It is not yet known whether Italy and Germany can keep up the momentum of the present advance. The short sea journey from Sicily to Africa facilitates the transport of Germans. A Berlin communique says German and Italian units, following up the British troops, reached Ghemines. The Rome radio briefly reported that Italian and German troops had occupied Benghazi. CAIRO REPORT BRITISH CONCENTRATION IN LIBYA. PROGRESS IN ERITREA & ABYSSINIA. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY. April 4. A Cairo communique says: “The concentration in Libya of our advanced elements is continuing. “Over 3.000 prisoners have already been counted at Asmara ond many more are still coming in from enemy troops who have been overrun by our rapid advance, eastwards towards Massawa and southward along the main road towards Dessye. Extensive demolitions along the road to Massawa have now temporarily delayed our advance in this sector. Elsewhere operations continue to develop successfully. “In Abyssinia our advance in all sectors is proceeding satisfactorily.” .